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Peritonitis - Cats and Dogs (view source)
Revision as of 17:03, 23 August 2009
, 17:03, 23 August 2009no edit summary
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
*No breed predisposition.
*No sex predilection.
*No specific age distribution.
==Description==
==Description==
'''Peritonitis''' is defined as the inflammation of the peritoneum, which can be '''septic''' or '''non-septic'''.
'''Peritonitis''' is defined as the inflammation of the peritoneum, which can be '''septic''' or '''non-septic'''. The inflammatory process leads to vasodilation, cellular infiltration, pain and adhesion.
'''Septic peritonitis''' results from free bacteria in the peritoneal cavity, caused by perforation of the gastrointestnal tract due to foreign bodies, necrosis secondary to obstruction, intussusception, neoplasia, foreign bodies, dehiscence of wounds. Peritonitis as a result of wound dehiscence is most likely to occur 3-5 days post-operatively.
'''Septic peritonitis''' results from free bacteria in the peritoneal cavity, caused by perforation of the gastrointestnal tract due to foreign bodies, necrosis secondary to obstruction, intussusception, neoplasia, foreign bodies or dehiscence. Peritonitis as a result of wound dehiscence is most likely to occur 3-5 days post-operatively.
'''Non-septic''', also known as '''chemical peritonitis''', may be the result of leakage of bile, urine or pancreatic enzymes. However, non-septic peritonitis can cause septic peritonitis, for example cases where septic urine is present.
'''Non-septic''', also known as '''chemical peritonitis''', may be the result of leakage of bile, urine or pancreatic enzymes. However, non-septic peritonitis can cause septic peritonitis, for example cases where septic urine is present.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
*Abdominal pain
*Depressed
*Depressed
*Vomiting
*Tachycardia
*Tachycardia
*Tachypnoea
*Tachypnoea
*Pale, cyanotic or muddly mucous membranes
*Hypotension and shock
*Hypothermia or hyperthermia
*Hypothermia or hyperthermia
===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
====Haematology====
====Haematology====
*Significant leucocytosis or leucopaenia
*Neutrophilia ± left shift or neutropaenia
====Biochemistry====
====Biochemistry====